Metazeunerite

Metazeunerite is a rare, hydrated copper-uranium arsenate, typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-bearing hydrothermal uranium deposits. This specimen showcases bright green, clusters of tetragonal crystals, which are scattered across the gossan matrix. The metazeunerite crystals exhibit excellent form, with well-defined, green square crystals, look great under the microscope.  Dr. Peter Tarassoff acquired this specimen in 1977 from Richard W. Barstow in St. Day, Cornwall, England. Barstow was a well-known dealer in minerals from classic European localities, further enhancing the specimen's provenance.

About Mr. Barstow: Richard "Dick" Barstow, born on January 7, 1947, in Bangor, North Wales, was a highly respected mineralogist and one of Britain's most enterprising modern field collectors during the mining revival of the 1960s. Based in Tregeseal, near Botallack, Cornwall, he began his mineral business in December 1972, trading by mail order. Despite not having formal scientific education, Dick's extensive knowledge and energetic approach to researching and visiting classic and recent localities led to remarkable success in recovering high-quality specimens, often marked with his signature green card labels (one included with this specimen). He passed away at the young age of 35 from liver cancer, but his legacy endures, with the Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery acquiring a portion of his fine private collection of Cornish and Devonshire minerals in 1986.

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